We’re still in the early stages of Marvel’s Phase Three — next week’s Doctor Strange is just the second film out of ten — but since Marvel is famous for mapping out its plans well ahead of time, it’s impossible not to wonder what’s coming in Phase Four. So let’s give into that temptation, and spend a bit of time speculating.

Marvel already has three dates nailed down for 2020: May 1, July 10, and November 6. What remains unclear is which titles they’re for. Which films can we expect in 2020 and beyond from Marvel’s Phase Four? Read More »

For the past several years, there’s been one major hurdle standing between Namor and the Marvel Cinematic Universe: the fact that Universal, not Disney, held the rights to the character. Then a few months ago, Joe Quesada said that the rights had finally reverted to Marvel. Mind you, Marvel hasn’t actually confirmed any plans yet to bring the Sub-Mariner into the MCU — but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating about what might happen next.

One of those fans was actor Brian Tee, who shortly afterward admitted that Namor would be a dream role for him. In a more recent interview, he elaborated further, explaining what he loves about the character and why he wants to play him. Read the Namor Brian Tee comments below. Read More »

It may feel at times like Marvel Studios is slowly taking over the world, but the truth is even their cinematic universe has its limits. The X-Men and the Fantastic Four remain off-limits, for example, because they’re still set up at Fox, and it was only recently that they were able to work out a deal with Sony to share Spider-Man.

And then there’s Namor. The Sub-Mariner has been off by himself at Universal, cursed to tread water for years while his planned film keeps falling apart. But the spell may finally be broken. According to Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, the Namor rights have reverted to Marvel, meaning he can finally join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That is, if they’ll have him. Read More »

What is the untitled mystery “event” film Legendary and Universal are releasing in 2016? We explored the options on Wednesday, saying Will Smith’s Brilliance was one possibility, and Hot Wheels could be another. Others suggested the long in development Mass Effect was in the mix. Those are still all on the table, but a new rumor says the film could be even more exciting. It could be the one superhero Universal still has the rights to: Marvel’s Namor. Read More »

Kevin Feige may be done making big announcements until 2014, but that doesn’t mean he can’t drop a few hints between now and then. The Marvel Studios head reportedly has things planned out (albeit tentatively) through about 2021, and during an interview at D23 he offered some clues about what he has in store.

Among other things, Feige promises we’ll see more of the Hulk and Hawkeye. One hero we won’t see pop up in the MCU, however, is Namor the Sub-Mariner. As Feige points out, Universal currently holds the rights to that particular sea creature. Hit the jump to read his comments.

Prince Namor The Sub-Mariner is one of the Marvel characters to still have their movie rights held under option to a movie studio, in this case Universal, and not be part of the ‘crossover club’ sheltering under the Marvel Pictures roof. That disqualifies him from appearing in the Avengers film in any way, of course, but the ongoing appetite for Marvel movies means Universal have been keeping their Namor picture in development.

Will grizzled action vet Jason Statham put on a shiny fish-scale-sequined speedo to play the majestic, sea-dwelling Marvel superhero Namor the Sub-Mariner? Well, he’s taken a meeting for the role but he’s also exhibiting a little Vince Chase-like hesitation. IESB asked if there were any comic characters on his wish list…

“I took a meeting for Sub-Mariner. I don’t know if I’d look right running around in a tight speedo with wings on my ankles but there’s so many cool fucking characters.”

A feature film about the devil’s-peaked, fierce eyebrowed son of an Atlantis princess and a burly sea captain is planned by Marvel Studios for a release in 2010. Of course, Namor’s friendlier DC Comics rival, Aquaman, might also make an appearance, cameo or otherwise, near that date with the Justice League of America film. Can you see Statham breathing underwater? I’ve always found Namor quite ridiculous, but it’d make for entertainment on the big screen, I’ll give it that. Of course, as Statham sort of makes clear, if the film was a laughing stock, his career as a man’s man would be chum.

A movie that I could not see Statham taking on is a new spin on The Crow, but he’s interested…

“I’m trying to think of what would be a good comic book character for me to play. You know, there’s talk of them redoing The Crow. That was a good movie with Brandon Lee, although that was years ago. So if that one comes my way, bang! You know, there’s so many comic book movies out there and most of the time there’s only a handful of people who can do them any justice. Hopefully, they’ll come my way for one of them.”

Still, Statham would probably be better than the usually ace Edward Furlong, who starred as a chubby emo Crow in the terrible fourth incarnation The Crow: Wicked Prayer. Something tells me Statham won’t be taking to sea or sky.